Coast Guard and Marine Search and Rescue forces teamed up today to rescue the victim of a jet ski fire near Sooke.
Around 10:25 am this morning, cries of “Help” were reported in the vicinity of Beechy Head.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station Sooke was tasked by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria to investigate.
RCMSAR Station Sooke searched from Secretary Is. to Alldridge Pt. in Becher Bay while Coast Guard 501 searched from Alldridge Pt. to Secretary Is.
With restricted visibility of less than 1/4 of a nautical mile, the conditions were challenging.
But shortly after the search began, a vessel of opportunity reported that they could see a jet ski on fire south of Beechy Head.
RCMSAR Station Sooke located the jet ski using radar, sound signals, and VHF radio. When they arrived, they found that the vessel of opportunity had managed to take one person out of the water. That person was confirmed to be the same person who had been calling for help.
Coast Guard and Search and Rescue Work Together
RCMSAR Station Sooke came alongside and brought the person onboard. They then provided initial care and treatment for cold water immersion and shock.
CCG 501 arrived on-scene shortly after and their rescue specialist came aboard to take over patient care. The two teams worked together to re-warm the individual and monitor their well-being.
The RCMSAR vessel transported the person back to Sooke with the CCG rescue specialist. At the public boat launch, Sooke RCMP and Sooke Emergency Health Services took over.
